We raised our children in a middle class suburb. They were happy, good students, had lots of friends, activities, etc. We have a big extended family who we spent holidays with. We took family trips, sometimes just us, sometimes with other families. Our daughter was admitted to some good colleges, she attended college for awhile, was a very good student, then she dropped out and told us she hated school and was not happy. She abandoned her life as we knew it, worked on a pot farm, started hitching around the country and lives like a homeless person. She was angry with us and judgmental toward us and made untrue accusations. Needless to say, this has been devastating. It's hard to watch her not caring for herself adequately and being in harms way. It is hurtful to be rejected. We did not want to lose her. My attitude has been as non-judgemental as possible, kind, supportive, loving. All the while dropping suggestions that she build on her education, and take better care of herself. My feeling is that acceptance, kindness, support, love has kept her from being estranged from us. Sometimes she is harsh and critical of us, but mostly she wants to stay connected and feel our love. Of course, we are racked with guilt and confusion. But the only way we can go forward is with kindness and acceptance and focus on gratitude.